Lesley Wood

Learning from the best in the business is a key part of Lesley’s success strategy…

Establishing a strong photography business is a story in itself, but to launch that business after 20 years in corporate life, into the competitive and demanding area of Cheshire, at a time when the world’s economies are in turmoil, and when you’re a woman in a predominantly man’s world, makes Lesley’s story all the more fascinating and inspiring.

Lesley’s love of photography started when she was a child, and during her later career as an entomologist, she used her macro photography extensively to illustrate the many presentations she made throughout the world. Over the years, the reaction from her audiences, and the many amateur international photography awards she won, convinced her that her future lay in professional photography.

The impetus for change came with the award of a government training grant which allowed her to begin the journey. Lesley recognised that whilst her technical photography skills were 'very good', they weren’t at her desired level of 'excellent', and so refining her technical ability was her first port of call. Choosing to use Canon equipment, she undertook an extensive course of technical training with Experience Seminars in Huntingdon.

Her second task was to develop the core structure of her business and brand, and after much deliberation, she invested in the Annabel Williams Bespoke Programme. Through the course of 2007, the inspirational input from the Annabel Williams' team allowed Lesley to fully define her business goals and objectives and to set in stone the core principles of her brand.

Further inspiration came from Damien Lovegrove, whose style and energy has had a profound effect on Lesley’s approach. Learning from the best in the business is a key part of Lesley’s success strategy: only by watching the best and challenging yourself to do better, can you become one of the best.

Throughout this business development period, Lesley was constantly defining and refining her own photographic style, settling on one that is natural, relaxed and above all, fun for her clients. It may well be fun, but is underpinned by a fastidious approach to product quality and customer service. A comment often heard from Lesley’s clients is: 'We got so much more than we ever expected'.

Having resigned from corporate life, she launched her business in January 2008, right at the start of the worst recession in living memory. At a time when so many photography businesses have failed, Lesley’s business has flourished thanks to her unique combination of stunning photography, business acumen, wise business investment, strength of purpose and uncompromising customer focus.

The first international recognition for Lesley’s work as a professional photographer came when she won the SWPP UK Pet Photographer of the Year Award in January 2009. Her award-winning image is the subject of a global fine art edition distributed by a London publishing gallery. She has already won more SWPP Gold Awards during 2009, so who knows what the 2010 Awards Ceremony may bring!

By building a strong reputation for her product, service and her brand, Lesley’s business has grown during the very toughest of times, and she is well placed for even greater success once economic stability returns.

Lesley is based in Stretton in Cheshire and accepts commissions throughout
the UK and internationally.

What our members say
Why I like the Societies: the opportunity to learn more and progress in the art of photography - Colin P
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Photo Quote: I never know in advance what I will photograph, ... I go out into the world and hope I will come across something that imperatively interests me. I am addicted to the found object. I have no doubt that I will continue to make photographs till my last breath. - Ansel Adams

There are 227 days to get ready for the SWPP Convention and Trade Show at The Hilton London Metropole Hotel ...
which starts on Tuesday 8th January 2013